In working for the preservation of Maha`ulepu, Malama Maha`ulepu is guided by the following principles or touchstones:

1. Maha`ulepu is a heritage landscape where it is possible to preserve natural, scenic, cultural, historic, scientific and recreational resources.
   
2. Maha`ulepu is a sacred place (wahi pana) with wahi kapu or restricted places. It is a place of refuge or pu'uhonua , safe and peaceful for people as well as for flora and fauna.
   
3. Maha`ulepu should be kept largely as it is.
   
4. The ahupua`a framework of care taking and management of the watershed from mountain peak into the ocean shall be applied to Maha`ulepu.
   
5. Public access to Maha`ulepu shall be perpetual and appropriate.
   
6. The landowner of Maha`ulepu should receive fair value for land dedicated or sold for public purposes.
   
7. Preservation of Maha`ulepu is an opportunity for collaboration among multiple contributing public and private partners.
   
8. Preservation of Maha`ulepu can build upon the legacy of Kipu Kai, a future state park.
   
9. Any future management should include representation of the diverse interests and users, both active and passive.